How to Answer: There are times when we are placed under extreme pressure on the job. Tell about a time when you were under such pressure and how you handled it.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Payroll Specialist job interview.
33. There are times when we are placed under extreme pressure on the job. Tell about a time when you were under such pressure and how you handled it.
How to Answer
Payroll is a field with sharp deadlines and high expectations of precision and accuracy. The interviewer wants to hear that you handle the pressure of working as a Payroll Specialist without getting worked up emotionally when roadblocks occur.
Think about a time when you had a pressure-filled day. Prepare to tell your story-based example using the STAR answer method, an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Describe what made the day complex and pressure-filled and what your responsibilities were in this situation. Next, tell the interviewer how you tackled the stressful situation. Finally, wrap up your response by sharing the positive result of your actions.
Written by Christine Pasqueretta
Answer Example
"While working as a Payroll Manager for Company ABC, my director delegated tasks related to timesheet entries to one of our newer team members. By the end of the month, we received an intimation from the accounts department that they had not received the calculations from our side till that date. This information was delayed by four days. Without further delay, I jumped in and worked overtime to ensure that the information was received before the consequences became dire. I ensured timely salary calculations, and no paycheck delays were caused. My job as a Payroll Specialist is essential as many employees rely on my work for timely disbursement of their salaries."
Written by Christine Pasqueretta
Experienced Example
There have been a few times due to seasonal work or acquisitions that we had a lot of new employees start on the same day. One time, it was 100 employees to start on January 1.
I was informed just a few weeks beforehand but I quickly created a list of what needed to be done and I spoke to my boss and asked if I could get support from other co-workers to help during this very busy period.
Two accountants offered to help on a part-time basis and we worked together to gather the employee paperwork and get all the data entry completed before their start date. I worked many evenings and weekends for 6-weeks straight and cancelled a vacation in the middle of it all. But to be honest, it was actually kind of fun. I loved seeing the company grow and I wanted to do everything I could to give the new employees a smooth transition into our organization
Written by Carrie Nelson on October 28th, 2022
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